Writers write. So here we go.

Day 235: Casino Night

Banger—Benjamin’s nickname among his pals—watched Gelato for his tell, an imperceptible purse of his lips declaring his bluff. After an aggressive first round of betting, Gelato had gone all in on a flop with the three, four, and five of spades. Banger had two fives in the hole. Gelato’s stack was a hair taller, so a call would take everything Banger had.

“You got the six and seven of spades?”

Gelato didn’t bite.

“Nah. You wouldn’t want to scare us off if that were the case.” Of course, he wouldn’t. He’d bet big with a straight flush, but manageable, soaking up however much he could draw from his opponents. He could have just a straight, but then all-in seemed overconfident. The tell didn’t come, but it only made sense that he was bluffing. “Call.”

Everyone else folded.

Banger turned over his fives, and Gelato showed a six of diamonds and a seven of spades. A straight with a flush draw. Banger needed a full house.

The dealer discarded once and dealt the turn card. Four of clubs! The spectators murmured. Banger got his full house. The dealer discarded another and lay down the river card. Six of spades. Straight flush and the win for Gelato.

Banger dropped his head. “My first big hand of the night.” He pulled out his wallet. “I’ll buy back in.” He handed the dealer a tenspot, the minimum for the Firehouse Charity Casino Night poker table, and he loaded Banger up with chips. Three hands later, Banger lost it all in a showdown with Floyo, unable to read her for trip jacks against his two pair.

Banger tipped the dealer and gave up his seat.

His girlfriend, Mary Ellen, took him by the arm. “The things you do for charity, Benjy.”

“I didn’t lose on purpose.”

“You didn’t win on purpose, either.”

“Pah!” Banger dragged her toward the Roulette table and put five bucks on red nine. The ball bounced on the spinning wheel and fell into the black twenty-two pocket.